Get The Secret Recipe For The Best Orange Chicken – How To Make It Step By Step

Craving the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken but not sure where to start? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will unravel the secrets of making orange chicken step by step, empowering you to create this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before embarking on this culinary journey, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients at your disposal:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• Orange zest and sesame seeds, for garnish

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.

Make the Orange Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the chicken to the skillet with the orange sauce.
2. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
3. Cook over medium heat until the sauce is heated through and the chicken is fully coated, about 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with orange zest and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken in the flour mixture.
• Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice.
• Serve the orange chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Substitute honey for brown sugar in the orange sauce.
• Teriyaki Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce to the orange sauce.

The Bottom Line

With this detailed step-by-step guide, you now possess the culinary prowess to create mouthwatering orange chicken at home. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish that will leave them craving more. Experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination of flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to store orange chicken?
A: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before dredging it in the flour mixture.

Q: What sides go well with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, vegetables, or egg rolls.